I’m private renting, and been asked to leave my home by my landlord, what can I do?

Has your landlord given you a written notice?

No

If your landlord has asked you to leave your property, they need to serve a valid notice. The first action you should take is to advise your landlord that they need to do this.

If your landlord harasses, attempts to evict you or actually evicts you (and/or changes locks to the property) without completing this step – you should contact Housing Options. You should also contact the Private Rent Department of Cheshire West and Chester Council. They will take action against any landlord that illegally evicts anyone without appropriate legal protection.

• Contact Keogh’s solicitors through your local Citizens Advice service, to get support for an illegal eviction.

If your landlord lives in the same property with you (in a shared house) it is important to speak to Housing Options as legal rights differ under this situation.

Yes

You should start by calling the Housing Options team and send them a copy of the notice by email to confirm it is valid.

Please make sure it has your name and date of birth on the email.

Housing Options will tell you if the notice is valid. If it is they will arrange to meet you and agree a personal housing plan to support you to resolve your housing needs. This may include a support service to help you move forward.

If your notice is found to be invalid, Housing Options staff will advise you on what actions to take.

If your landlord lives in the same property with you (in a shared house) it is important to speak to Housing Options as legal rights differ under this situation.